The IDF said Wednesday that the Israeli Navy carried out a strike in Beirut that killed a senior Hezbollah commander responsible for operations along the border with Israel.
According to the IDF, the strike, conducted Tuesday with intelligence support from the Intelligence Directorate and Northern Command, targeted Hajj Yusuf Ismail Hashem, identified as Hezbollah’s Southern Front commander.
The IDF said Hashem oversaw Hezbollah operations in southern Lebanon, including rocket fire and aerial attacks toward Israel, as well as plans targeting civilians and soldiers. It described him as a senior figure with decades of experience who played a key role in rebuilding the group’s capabilities.
Hashem assumed the role after the killing of his predecessor, Ali Karaki, in an earlier Israeli operation that also targeted Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Over the years, Hashem was responsible for several Hezbollah units operating in southern Lebanon, including those involved in attacks on Israeli territory, the IDF said.
The military said his killing represents a significant blow to Hezbollah’s ability to carry out attacks and manage ongoing fighting along the northern front.